BLUE IMPRESSES BEFORE DERBY BID

Ian Fortune

Hawkfield Blue was the star turn at Shelbourne Park on Friday night as he completed his comeback with a serious run in the feature race, the final of the Shelbourne Park Museum Open 525.

One of two finals up for decision on the evening, it was far and away the fastest run on the card as the Ginger McGee trained star streaked home in a sizzling 28.04. Showing electric early speed, he was already in control by the corner and never gave his rivals a sniff of victory.

Marginforerror took up the chase but it was pointless. Jerry Connors’ son of Good News and Brownstown Tango only increased his advantage to the third turn before staying on to the line to win by seven lengths. Marginforerror was second. The winner is now set to take his place in the Derby draw on Monday and connections will be hopeful he can perform at this level throughout. If doing so, he could raise an eyebrow or two.

RANGER RALLIES TO SCORE

Billy Thompson and Dave Bourke had reason to smile earlier on the card as their promising young tracker Westside Ranger repelled all rivals to win the other final up for decision, that of the Bet With the Tote A2 Dual Distance.

Run over 550yds, Westwide Ranger was always to the fore. Making the most of his rails draw, Westside Ranger held off Innfield Coper to turn in front. Financial Chief then emerged as the main threat, closing on the pace-setter into the third turn.

Swinging for home it seemed as though Financial Chief may have been getting the better of the argument but Westside Ranger was gallant, with the son of Dorotas Wildcat and Last Lady rallying to contain his rival by a neck in 30.14.

KATHLEEN LOOKS A STAR IN THE MAKING

The semi-finals of the Upcoming Puppy Oaks ON1 525 were the feature of the undercard and Droopys Kathleen took her opportunity to announce herself to the world with a brilliant display in the opening heat.

Representing handler Robert Gleeson and leading jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle, she posted a rapid 28.33 while also giving the impression there was much more to come. Despite not making a flying start, the daughter of Droopys Sydney and Droopys Dancer shot up the inside of the track to challenge and lead in the turn.

Coolavanny Ogie ran a slightly better corner, however, to go to the front but Droopys Kathleen was soon back on terms before asserting to the third turn. From there, she was relentless. Galloping right to the line, Droopys Kathleen emerged a comfortable three length scorer over Coolavanny Ogie. Badminton Shiv also ran a fine race in third, some five lengths adrift.

Both first and second up were mighty impressive on debut and it seems safe to expect both to have a big future but the winner really could be anything.  

FIFI FLIES AT THE FINISH

Innfield Fifi (Ballyhimikin Jet/ Jaytee Sahara) didn’t have things quite as straightforward in the second heat but still emerged a good winner for Barry Clancy.

Off the pace for much of the way, finding a couple of traffic spots along the way, she drew closer from halfway before pouncing on the run in.

Annual Eile was in front at this point after taking over from Highview Lyric at halfway but she was starting to show signs of fatigue. In contrast, Innfield Fifi was only starting to move and she came through to win by three lengths from the dead-heating pair of Annual Eile and Shebetheone in 29.17.